Remarks by H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!

I would like to highly appreciate and congratulate on the initiative to organize the Summit of the Mekong River Commission, especially to materialize the initiative of the International Conference of Ministers on the Mekong River Commission held from 23^rd - 24^th April 2007 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. As a member state, I highly commend the Mekong River Commission for organizing this important Summit.

Undoubtedly, this Summit does not only express the highest consideration of the Mekong River Commission Member States on strengthening and expanding regional cooperation for management and sustainable development of water and other resources of the Mekong River Basin, but also indicate the strong commitment of the member states since the inception of this regional cooperation until now and this will continue into the future.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Globally, there are many rivers flow across the international boundaries. Mekong River is on of those flowing through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. Regional Cooperation is required to manage and develop the shared resources for its sustainability.

The Mekong River is obviously not only an international river, which is rich in natural resources to support the daily livelihood of millions of people living along the river, but also has great potentials for socio-economic development of these countries. These potentials require a joint management and development for its sustainability in the future.

According to the Mekong River Agreement signed on 5^th April 1995 by Lower Mekong River Countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam, the member states have been jointly committed to promoting, supporting and coordinating cooperation for mutual benefits in all areas of management and development of the Mekong River Basin. The agreement gave birth to the Mekong River Commission, an inter-governmental institution for cooperation towards sustainable development of Mekong River Basin.

Through this mechanism, member states have been working in partnership with Upstream Mekong Countries, including China and Myanmar, and other partners of the Mekong River Commission. This is a driving force for effective and sustainable development and management of water resources and other resources in order to realize the vision of the Mekong River, "The River of Growth, Social Justice and Good Environment”. Unfortunately this vision will not be realized if the Mekong countries and other partners are lack of closer cooperation.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia, I would like to express my sincere congratulation and appreciation for the strong cooperation among stakeholders and for financial and technical supports form development partners and financial institutions, extended to the Mekong River Commission for fulfilling its mission, and attained many great achievements up to now.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!

The poverty incidence among people living in the Mekong River Basin remains very high and the poverty reduction is a priority agenda of countries along the Mekong River. Therefore, as other member states, Cambodia wants to see activities of the Mekong River Commission focused on the tangible benefits in order to contribute with the governments of member states, to poverty reduction of people living along the Mekong River, especially to promote sustainable management and development of the Mekong River Basin.

At the same time, the speed of development and population growth combined with high poverty of member states, regional and global climate change has put more pressure on the natural resources. Moreover, climate change has led to flood, drought, and frequent and severe changes of Mekong River flood pulse. This is worrisome!

In fact, to response to this pressing challenge, all Mekong River member states have to strengthen their cooperation and work closer with other development partners in order to jointly put in place timely and effective measures to address challenges.

More importantly, all Mekong River Commission member states should meet and discuss about opportunities and challenges for joint development. In this spirit, I would like to highly appreciate the works that have been done by the Mekong River Commission to continue to share best practices and experiences as well as strengthening good governance in the areas of water and other resources management.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Cambodia has been actively implementing the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction nationwide. This strategy has also contributed to the poverty reduction of people living in the Mekong River Basin. Sustainable development and management of natural resources is a key element of this strategy and has been extensively consulted with civil society, private sector and stakeholders from national and international community. In this spirit, for the cause of sustainable development of the Mekong River, Cambodia is committed to collaborating with other Mekong River Commission member states, to effectively and successfully implement the 1995 Mekong Agreement. Of course, achieving these common goals required strong cooperation; trust and confidence building among member states; and between member states and other partners, including dialogue partners, development partners, financial
institutions, private sector and civil society.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate and appreciate the Mekong River Commission for having organized the fruitful international conference over the last two days. I positively hope that the outcomes from this conference will be carried out forward for the effectively management and sustainable development of water and other resources of the Mekong River, in conformity with the objectives of member states as well as regional and international stakeholders. I hope that Hua Hin Declaration of the Mekong River Commission, to be adopted today, will set a strategic direction that gains support from all Mekong River stakeholders to make the Mekong River Commission a better and effective institution to manage changes in the development context. At the same time, I encourage the Mekong River Commission to implement the declaration successfully and effectively.

Wino no doubt, Cambodia wishes to see Mekong River as "An International River for Peace, Stability, Friendship, Solidarity and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development" and Cambodia is committed, with sincere willingness, to working closely with member states and relevant stakeholders to materialize the aforementioned objectives.

Once again, I would like to than Thailand, the host country, for the warm welcome and hospitality provided to our delegation. I would also like to thank to all the development partners for their financial support to make this successful historic event possible.

Thank you!